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Updated 44 minutes ago

Once again, Pennsylvania is in a budget crisis. Everyone wants to lay the blame on the governor. Let's take a look at one of the larger problems, the state Legislature.

We have the second largest legislature in the country, 253 members. Each member receives a healthy starting salary of $85,000 and up. Their perks in most cases surpass their salaries.

Let's not forget that each of these officials has a working staff. Although the number of staff varies, each staff member receives a salary, health insurance benefits and a retirement plan.

I am sure that a reduction in the state Legislature would save a nice amount, but the ones who have to vote on a reduction are the office-holders. Without overwhelming pressure from the voters, this will never happen.

Dick Giannamore

Webster

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